Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has announced that the national election will be held on a day in the first half of April 2026.
“Based on this announcement, the Election Commission will provide a detailed roadmap in due course,” he said during a televised address to the nation on Friday.
“There is immense public and political interest regarding the timing of the election,” he noted. “As I’ve said before, it will be held between December and June. The government is working to ensure an environment conducive to a credible election within this timeframe.”
Dr Yunus said that the government’s key responsibility is to hold a clean, peaceful, festive, and inclusive election. “Our goal is to prevent future crises. That requires institutional reform. Without ensuring good governance in the institutions directly linked to the electoral process, all the sacrifices made by students and citizens will be in vain.”
He reiterated that the current administration was formed with three mandates: reform, justice, and election.
“We believe that by the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, we will reach a broadly acceptable position on reforms and justice—particularly in addressing crimes against humanity, as part of our collective duty to the martyrs of the July uprising," he said.
The chief adviser expressed hope that these mandates will at least be minimally implemented during this period. “We have engaged all relevant parties to ensure this becomes the most free, fair, competitive, and credible election in our history.”
“We want an election that honors the sacrifices of the martyrs. One with the highest number of voters, candidates, and parties participating. Let this be remembered as the freest and fairest election the nation has seen," he said.
He added, “For the first time in over a decade, the country will have a truly representative parliament. Millions of young voters will be casting their votes for the first time. We are committed to taking every step necessary to ensure this future.”
Addressing citizens directly, Dr Yunus urged: “Hold your candidates and political parties accountable, demand firm pledges that the agreed-upon reforms will be passed in the very first session of the new parliament—without compromise. Demand that they never bargain away the country’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, or national dignity to any foreign power.”
He called on voters to seek commitments from candidates to uphold democratic rights and human dignity. “Ask them to lead with honesty and transparency, and to reject all forms of corruption, favoritism, extortion, syndicates, and violence.”
“This election is not just about peace,” he said. “It’s about realizing the student-led uprising’s vision of a ‘New Bangladesh.’ The parties and symbols may remain the same—but voters must evaluate who is genuinely committed to change.”
Calling the upcoming voters “fortunate,” Dr Yunus concluded: “We are being entrusted with a historic responsibility—to shape a new political culture and a new direction for the nation. Through thoughtful, determined voting, we will build the New Bangladesh. The martyrs’ sacrifices will be honored. Start thinking now. Begin the conversations. Understand the historical weight of your vote.”